Army visits Sheffield school for British Values Day

But the visit to the Sheffield school by members of the Yorkshire Regiment was actually as part of a British Values Day, and was not just about testing fitness.

Academy principal Dean Jones explained: “The Yorkshire Regiment came in to give our Y10 and Y11 students a taste of the many careers available in the army, and also to strengthen their understanding of British values.”

There was plenty of fun activity held within a paintball range, inflatable assault course and a range of fitness tests. But, as Mr Jones pointed out, the day was also about strengthening the understanding students have of the fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs, through opportunities to learn from our armed forces.

By testing themselves with different mental and physical challenges students further developed academy values of respect and resilience, and they were given the opportunity to explore one of the many careers in the Armed Forces.

Students heard how there are a range of 70 trades offered within the armed forces, from logistics, engineering, IT, finance, catering and construction, to nursing, for example. The British Army is currently the largest provider of apprenticeships within the UK.

Following the activity, Mr Jones said he was told by students that they had found the experience really valuable. One said: “I found out about the army college and I’m really interested in aiming to study there.” Another added: “The command tasks meant we had to work as a team and improve our problem solving skills,” and another: “I didn’t realise there were so many jobs in the army that do not involve being a soldier. I want to be a Royal Engineer and my friend wants to be a chef in the army.”